Lurking just around the corner, dressed in rags, and carrying a switch, the Belsnickle is eager to make his holiday presence known at the Authentic Bed & Breakfasts of Lancaster County’s annual Find Your Belsnickle Tour December 7 and 8. If anyone is excited about seeing him, it’s the innkeepers, who love celebrating the intriguing folklore of this holiday character and can’t wait to introduce him to guests.


A Christmas-like mythical creature, the Belsnickle, originated in Germany and is often celebrated in Pennsylvania Dutch communities, where he is said to throw candy and nuts at good children and switch the naughty ones. During the Find Your Belsnickle Tour, little figurines of the disheveled guy will be placed throughout the inns, giving guests a chance to win prizes.
The Find Your Belsnickle Tour benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation and takes place at participating bed and breakfasts across Lancaster County. Guests can stroll through the inns, savor freshly baked cookies, check out decorations from all eras, and enjoy entertainment at select inns. Guests are entered to win a grand prize valued at $325 each time they find the Belsnickle figurine, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the cranky little guy.

The two-day tour allows guests to travel at their own leisure through the inns. Also included in ticket price is admission to the Choo Choo Barn, which is good for the month of December. Tickets are $20 with proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Tickets purchased prior to November 18 will be mailed to guests. Tickets purchased afterwards will be vouchers to be exchanged at select inns. For more information, click here on Find Your Belsnickle or call Robert at 717-687-3664.

Welcome the holiday season with the Authentic Bed & Breakfasts of Lancaster County’s Find Your Belsnickle Tour. Enjoy the scenery of Lancaster as you visit each inn, savor fresh-from-the-oven cookies, entertainment, and enjoy the inns new holiday wardrobe, all while supporting a very worthy cause.